Show Your Vintage MTB Drop Bar Conversions
#3676
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1989 Specialised Rock Combo
Here is my 1989 Specialised Rock Combo - new paint and converted to 650b with Paul's Moto BMX brakes.
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1986 Specialized Rockhopper Drop Bar Conversion
I converted an old Rockhopper to a utility bike with drop bars. Lots of fun to ride, especially in the cold New England weather.
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Not vintage, but vintage styling and pretty cool brake setup on this bike by Littleford Bicycles.
Canti posts can be flipped : up for 650b, down for 26", brake bridge and fork crown holes set for 700c.
Canti posts can be flipped : up for 650b, down for 26", brake bridge and fork crown holes set for 700c.
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Flipable canti posts are just screamingly awesome.
But I'm thinking more along the lines of 700c x 27". Why are larger rim sizes so out of fashion?
But I'm thinking more along the lines of 700c x 27". Why are larger rim sizes so out of fashion?
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
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That looks incredibly sweet and I love the versatility of the brakes.
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hmm discs also achieve this versatility and work better, but not on a curved fork with 1" steer like that. That ruins this for me as it limits it's ability to tackle really rugged terrain. The geometry reminds me of a Cleland.
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I can do the same trails far faster on a Specialized Epic FSR, but it's the plush suspension that does that more than the tapered steerer and disc brakes.
Littleford seems to be geared towards the wool-wearing retrogrouch crowd more than the RedBull chuggin' All Mountain crowd, though.
I think for an S&S coupled bike the main selling point of discs would be cleaner wheels cuz disc brake dust is less of a problem than dried rim brake sludge.
Can't pack disc wheels quite as tightly as rim brake wheels in the bike box, though. Hmmm, actually if I was bagging or boxing up some disc wheels, I'd be inclined to remove the rotors before travel or shipping. I hate fixing bent rotors.
Last edited by LesterOfPuppets; 12-19-14 at 01:17 PM.
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What I like is that Littleford has racks that mount to bosses on the sides of the fork crown, like on my '83 Voyageur SP (and like the bike above).
What I don't like is the price of those racks.
What I don't like is the price of those racks.
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Interesting. I ride really rugged terrain with 1" headset and rim brakes all the time. Never really felt I was limited by those aspects.
I can do the same trails far faster on a Specialized Epic FSR, but it's the plush suspension that does that more than the tapered steerer and disc brakes.
Littleford seems to be geared towards the wool-wearing retrogrouch crowd more than the RedBull chuggin' All Mountain crowd, though.
I think for an S&S coupled bike the main selling point of discs would be cleaner wheels cuz disc brake dust is less of a problem than dried rim brake sludge.
Can't pack disc wheels quite as tightly as rim brake wheels in the bike box, though. Hmmm, actually if I was bagging or boxing up some disc wheels, I'd be inclined to remove the rotors before travel or shipping. I hate fixing bent rotors.
I can do the same trails far faster on a Specialized Epic FSR, but it's the plush suspension that does that more than the tapered steerer and disc brakes.
Littleford seems to be geared towards the wool-wearing retrogrouch crowd more than the RedBull chuggin' All Mountain crowd, though.
I think for an S&S coupled bike the main selling point of discs would be cleaner wheels cuz disc brake dust is less of a problem than dried rim brake sludge.
Can't pack disc wheels quite as tightly as rim brake wheels in the bike box, though. Hmmm, actually if I was bagging or boxing up some disc wheels, I'd be inclined to remove the rotors before travel or shipping. I hate fixing bent rotors.
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1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
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But you already probably (hopefully?) knew that's what I was talking about, didn't you?
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
Last edited by Lascauxcaveman; 12-19-14 at 09:51 PM.
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If you put the posts in the right place you can handle both 700c and 27" rim sizes by moving brake pads, it's only a 4mm move.
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I spent part of the day making some changes to the Croll.
It is now a double instead of a triple. The 42/27 with 11-28 (8 cogs) brings the closer spaced small cogs into a more useful range. Using a 10 speed chain allows full use of the small ring and doesn't compromise the shifting (clears the top pull double FD nicely). The XTR RD and new post were CL deals from the last few months for a total of less than $50. I had to improvise a cable adjuster onto the XTR RD, and it works great thus far (much more positive than the STX RD it replaced). The chain is more bling that I care for, but it will probably move to another project to be replaced by something less showy. Pictures were from the shakedown, so now it's time to add the cable ends, a dog ear, and other finishing touches.
The whole package as shown is slightly over 22 lbs (dropped a pound from the triple and its steel rings). Anyhow, new stuff deserves new pictures I suppose...
It is now a double instead of a triple. The 42/27 with 11-28 (8 cogs) brings the closer spaced small cogs into a more useful range. Using a 10 speed chain allows full use of the small ring and doesn't compromise the shifting (clears the top pull double FD nicely). The XTR RD and new post were CL deals from the last few months for a total of less than $50. I had to improvise a cable adjuster onto the XTR RD, and it works great thus far (much more positive than the STX RD it replaced). The chain is more bling that I care for, but it will probably move to another project to be replaced by something less showy. Pictures were from the shakedown, so now it's time to add the cable ends, a dog ear, and other finishing touches.
The whole package as shown is slightly over 22 lbs (dropped a pound from the triple and its steel rings). Anyhow, new stuff deserves new pictures I suppose...
Last edited by Chrome Molly; 12-20-14 at 04:35 PM. Reason: Scphelling
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Several weeks ago I was working on the bike of a guy I know as a casual acquaintance. He brought me his bike only looking for a tune up but it was such an awesome bike and I think highly of this guy so I did a limited overhaul of the whole bike. At first he was a bit irritated and told me he couldn't afford to pay for it, I hadn't mentioned money and wasn't interested in the money.
Today he called me and asked if I wanted to go for a ride. We met up and he presented me with this. He loved what I did to his bike so much and since I wouldn't take money he gave me this bike.
He dated it to 1989 and judging from the purple and turquoise paint splatters and the funky rear triangle that seems about right. It rides great but is going to need new cables, housings, bearings, grease etc.
I am curious what you all think about a drop bar conversion. I barely fit, it is a bit too large but I think with a short stem it will work. What do you think?
Today he called me and asked if I wanted to go for a ride. We met up and he presented me with this. He loved what I did to his bike so much and since I wouldn't take money he gave me this bike.
He dated it to 1989 and judging from the purple and turquoise paint splatters and the funky rear triangle that seems about right. It rides great but is going to need new cables, housings, bearings, grease etc.
I am curious what you all think about a drop bar conversion. I barely fit, it is a bit too large but I think with a short stem it will work. What do you think?
Last edited by bici_mania; 12-20-14 at 08:17 PM. Reason: grammatical errors
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Check post #2010 on page 81 of this thread for another Nishiki like yours. Most people find that the length of the frame is the limiting factor, i.e. the MTB frames are more stretched than the same sized road bike. A shorted stem helps, but you also have longer reach to the drops, so it cancels what you gained with the shorter stem.
#3694
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Super cool bike.
Whats a dog ear?
Whats a dog ear?
I spent part of the day making some changes to the Croll.
It is now a double instead of a triple. The 42/27 with 11-28 (8 cogs) brings the closer spaced small cogs into a more useful range. Using a 10 speed chain allows full use of the small ring and doesn't compromise the shifting (clears the top pull double FD nicely). The XTR RD and new post were CL deals from the last few months for a total of less than $50. I had to improvise a cable adjuster onto the XTR RD, and it works great thus far (much more positive than the STX RD it replaced). Pictures were from the shakedown, so now it's time to add the cable ends, a dog ear, and other finishing touches.
The whole package as shown is slightly over 22 lbs (dropped a pound from the triple and its steel rings). Anyhow, new stuff deserves new pictures I suppose...
It is now a double instead of a triple. The 42/27 with 11-28 (8 cogs) brings the closer spaced small cogs into a more useful range. Using a 10 speed chain allows full use of the small ring and doesn't compromise the shifting (clears the top pull double FD nicely). The XTR RD and new post were CL deals from the last few months for a total of less than $50. I had to improvise a cable adjuster onto the XTR RD, and it works great thus far (much more positive than the STX RD it replaced). Pictures were from the shakedown, so now it's time to add the cable ends, a dog ear, and other finishing touches.
The whole package as shown is slightly over 22 lbs (dropped a pound from the triple and its steel rings). Anyhow, new stuff deserves new pictures I suppose...
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@Chris Chicago - I think he may be referring to a bike computer mount.
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Well, I like what you did here.
I have been looking to upgrade the drivetrain on the Fargo this winter to XT or XTR. I have access to a full XT drivetrain off a friend's Niner. He's going with XTR and I may just grab the whole deal and go with Veloce Ergos as well. I just haven't decided yet as I also have DA bar ends that may work nicely as well. It's all 9 speed.
I have been looking to upgrade the drivetrain on the Fargo this winter to XT or XTR. I have access to a full XT drivetrain off a friend's Niner. He's going with XTR and I may just grab the whole deal and go with Veloce Ergos as well. I just haven't decided yet as I also have DA bar ends that may work nicely as well. It's all 9 speed.
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Well, I like what you did here.
I have been looking to upgrade the drivetrain on the Fargo this winter to XT or XTR. I have access to a full XT drivetrain off a friend's Niner. He's going with XTR and I may just grab the whole deal and go with Veloce Ergos as well. I just haven't decided yet as I also have DA bar ends that may work nicely as well. It's all 9 speed.
I have been looking to upgrade the drivetrain on the Fargo this winter to XT or XTR. I have access to a full XT drivetrain off a friend's Niner. He's going with XTR and I may just grab the whole deal and go with Veloce Ergos as well. I just haven't decided yet as I also have DA bar ends that may work nicely as well. It's all 9 speed.
I'm re-assessing the fleet to determine if I'd rather get some 10 speed Shimano road ratio shifters so I can further tighten up the gear range. 8 speed works well enough, but I'd like just a little tighter gearing in the "soft gravel" range.
Since I went with a 10 speed chain already and 10 speed cassettes are as cheap as 8 speed ones, I may as well figure this out. I don't care for the combo brake and gear chores with a single lever on the Shimano system, and that might be even more iffy off road. Maybe I'll have my first try with MicroShift. It has to be something I can ride the hoods with, so no bar ends here as this bike still sees a fair share of singletrack and will need that fast control. I ride the hoods instead of the drops offroad, against everyone's better advice...
Won't do it unless the Veloce ergos find a suitable home, and they just might...
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Well, I like what you did here.
I have been looking to upgrade the drivetrain on the Fargo this winter to XT or XTR. I have access to a full XT drivetrain off a friend's Niner. He's going with XTR and I may just grab the whole deal and go with Veloce Ergos as well. I just haven't decided yet as I also have DA bar ends that may work nicely as well. It's all 9 speed.
I have been looking to upgrade the drivetrain on the Fargo this winter to XT or XTR. I have access to a full XT drivetrain off a friend's Niner. He's going with XTR and I may just grab the whole deal and go with Veloce Ergos as well. I just haven't decided yet as I also have DA bar ends that may work nicely as well. It's all 9 speed.
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Thanks Grady. Do the new XT shifters have road shift ratios? I think the 9 speed XTR was the end of the line for the "shared" ratio, but maybe someone else here knows.
I'm re-assessing the fleet to determine if I'd rather get some 10 speed Shimano road ratio shifters so I can further tighten up the gear range. 8 speed works well enough, but I'd like just a little tighter gearing in the "soft gravel" range.
Since I went with a 10 speed chain already and 10 speed cassettes are as cheap as 8 speed ones, I may as well figure this out. I don't care for the combo brake and gear chores with a single lever on the Shimano system, and that might be even more iffy off road. Maybe I'll have my first try with MicroShift. It has to be something I can ride the hoods with, so no bar ends here as this bike still sees a fair share of singletrack and will need that fast control. I ride the hoods instead of the drops offroad, against everyone's better advice...
Won't do it unless the Veloce ergos find a suitable home, and they just might...
I'm re-assessing the fleet to determine if I'd rather get some 10 speed Shimano road ratio shifters so I can further tighten up the gear range. 8 speed works well enough, but I'd like just a little tighter gearing in the "soft gravel" range.
Since I went with a 10 speed chain already and 10 speed cassettes are as cheap as 8 speed ones, I may as well figure this out. I don't care for the combo brake and gear chores with a single lever on the Shimano system, and that might be even more iffy off road. Maybe I'll have my first try with MicroShift. It has to be something I can ride the hoods with, so no bar ends here as this bike still sees a fair share of singletrack and will need that fast control. I ride the hoods instead of the drops offroad, against everyone's better advice...
Won't do it unless the Veloce ergos find a suitable home, and they just might...
As for riding the hoods, I am also quite guilty. I do ride in the drops on my Fargo, but not so much on the Merckx.
Maybe I'm doing it wrong......
As for the MicroShift stuff, you should come over and grab my Fargo for a day. I have Microshift bar ends on it atm.
You could see if you like them. I've grown tolerant.